The Manaaki Building, located on Herekeno Street in Whangarei, has been transformed into a vibrant café, function centre, and catering venue, breathing new life into a once-unused space. Completed in October 2024, this rebuild is much more than just a renovation—it’s a thoughtful addition to the Hihiaua Cultural Centre’s vision. Designed to complement Stage II of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre development, The Manaaki Building serves as both a standalone venue and a vital support hub for cultural events, blending food, community, and tradition in a meaningful way.  

The project reconnects this historic location with Whangarei’s southern walkway and town basin loop, creating a seamless flow between the café, the cultural centre, and the surrounding area. The rebuild has turned the space into a thriving destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a café that seats up to 120 guests, functions for up to 200 people, and catering services that extend beyond its walls. 

At the heart of Manaaki is a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, built to handle daily café service to large-scale event catering. In collaboration with Moller Architects, Southern Hospitality played a crucial role in designing, supplying, and installing the key equipment such as RATIONAL iVario Pro Cooking Centre, Blue Seal appliances, Starline M2C dishwasher, EuroChill fridges and freezers, Tonon shelving, and a Turbofan Combi oven to meet the centre’s diverse and high-demand operational needs. 

In addition to the kitchen, Southern Hospitality supported the redevelopment of facilities, such as upgraded bathrooms, to meet modern standards while respecting the community-driven purpose of the space. 

The Manaaki rebuild is a celebration of Whangarei’s rich heritage, creating a place where people can gather, share meals, and connect with local culture. By aligning with the Hihiaua Cultural Centre Trust’s goals, Manaaki strengthens the community’s cultural presence while offering a welcoming space for everyday dining and special occasions. It’s a project that not only restores a building but also revitalizes its role in the community, making it a cornerstone of Whangarei’s cultural and social fabric.